Table of Contents
What is the best location for a bird feeder?
Bird feeders are best hung in a place where your visiting birds feel safe from predators. Most important: Avoid open and noisy areas and hang your bird feeders at eye level or a little above. Do not hang feeders too close to any place where squirrels can jump on them, or too low they are within a cat’s reach.
How far should a bird feeder be from the house?
How do I prevent window collisions? Place your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or be sure they are within 3 feet (this is why window feeders are okay to use).
Should bird feeders be in the sun or shade?
A sheltered southeastern exposure is best for hanging a bird feeder since birds like to feed in the sun and out of the wind. Birds also prefer to have a clear view over their feeding area so they can see any predators.
Why won’t birds come to my feeder?
Try moving the feeder to a new part of the yard. Sometimes the bird would like a better escape route. Sometimes there is simply enough natural food available in the area that the birds won’t visit your feeder. Be patient — as the seasons change and food sources diminish, they should return.
Is it OK to throw birdseed on the ground?
Yes, you can throw bird seed out on the ground. Many birds will eat seed on the ground. But it could become messy, attract pests, and harm the birds if not done with some planning and forethought.
Can you put a bird feeder near a birdhouse?
In most cases, place the birdhouse 5 feet or more off the ground and at least 20 feet from feeders or birdbaths.
How do birds find seeds in a feeder?
Birds primarily use vision, their sense of sight, to locate food. Birds may see seeds that they recognize as food in your feeder. So to attract birds to a new feeder, you may spread some seed on the ground. They have a better chance of spotting the seed, then.
Where should I hang my birdhouse?
Birdhouses should be from 5 to 30 feet above the ground and placed where it will be inaccessible to enemies. The sides of the houses and fence rails are also suitable sites depending on the species to be attracted. Regardless of where they are located, birdhouses should be placed at least 25 feet apart.
How high off the ground should a bird feeder be?
Pole-mounted feeders should be about five feet off the ground and protected by a cone-shaped baffle (at least 17 inches diameter) or similar obstacle below the feeder. Locate pole-mounted feeders at least 10 feet from the nearest shrub, tree, or other tall structure.
Should bird feeders be spread out?
Since each bird has its own “personal space away from humans” requirement, the feeders need to be a certain distance away from your favourite watching spot. If you have room to spread your feeders out, do so.
Does feeding wild birds attract rats?
Bird feeders don’t actually attract rats; it is the easily available seed and other types of bird food at ground level that keeps the rats coming. Discarded seed thrown out by birds and poorly stored seed are probably the most common causes of this. Fortunately, there are easy ways to help stop the rats.
How long does it take for birds to find a feeder?
Be Patient Birds will often go to a new bird feeder within a day or two but it is most common for birds to take anywhere up to several weeks before they start to feed at a new place. The general rule is anything from two to four weeks.
What colors attract birds to feeders?
Red and pink tend to be the most common feeder colors for hummingbirds. Bird houses and bird feeders for goldfinches are often yellow, while blue is a common color for bluebird products. Because of their love for oranges, oriole bird houses and bird feeders are often colored orange.
What time of day do birds feed?
Typically birds like to eat early in the morning so that is when they will be looking for food. Your bird feeder should be full at dawn so the birds will find it first thing when they are searching. If you don’t want to get up before dawn to fill your bird feeder you can fill it the night before.
Are bird feeders a good idea?
In most cases, it’s not only okay to feed wild birds but it’s also good for them. The extra boost of calories and nutrition they get from bird feeders helps to reduce stress during breeding months, gain the strength needed for migration, and to survive a harsh winter.
Do bird feeders keep birds out of garden?
Feed the Birds Somewhere Else I have found that having bird feeders helps keep the birds out of my garden. Birds have got to eat, so give them something to eat elsewhere to help keep them out of the garden. Wild bird seed is very inexpensive, and you can make your own hummingbird food to feed the hummingbirds.
When can I stop feeding the birds?
Stop feeding birds when spring migration is over You can stop feeding birds as soon as the cold and snowy winter weather is over. Many people stop at this time. But I suggest waiting until May or even June to take down your feeders. Your winter birds may wait until late April to leave.
